We’ve been getting many inquiries from you about the aftermath of last weekend’s Kauai flooding and if we’re okay here, just how serious it was, and what this means for upcoming Kauai vacations.
This past weekend’s rains were torrential or worse, varying greatly depending on where you were on Kauai. For those on the North Shore, especially, this was a once in a lifetime, catastrophic event. Between 28 and 35 inches of rain fell there from 2 am Saturday to 2 am Sunday.
Kauai flooding resulted in property and infrastructure damage which was massive in places. Water and power outages occurred and some are still ongoing on the North Shore. National Guard and Coast Guard were called in to help and over 200 people were airlifted. The American Red Cross is involved and many of us are doing everything we can to help.
Here on the South Shore where we live, there was also flooding, but nothing that compared to the rain experienced elsewhere on the island.
Hawaiian Airlines Fee Waivers.
As a result of Kauai flooding, Hawaiian Airlines passengers with tickets for flights to/from Kauai through today April 18, 2018, are being permitted a one-time reservation change with waiver of change fee. Tickets must have been issued on or before April 15 with flights scheduled through Apri 18. Changes must be made and re-ticketed for new flights no later than April 25. If you also fly by April 25, there will be no additional fees of any kind. If new flights are for after April 25, there will be no change fee but any difference in fare will be applicable. Changes must be made by phone at 1-800-367-5320.
Should you change your Kauai vacation plans?
The basic answer is no. For most visitors to the island, this will not be a reason to change plans. The island is open for business. All hotels and most vacation rentals are operating normally. The south shore (Poipu area), westside, eastside and north shore through Hanalei are accessible.
The highway is closed at the far side of Hanalei Bay (Waikoko) and beyond. There were a dozen landslides in the area to be cleared and some of the road underpinning will need to be rebuilt. The highway from Waikoko north will probably not reopen for some time (we have seen no accurate time estimates).
In Hanalei itself, damage has closed parts of Weke Road and some vacation rentals were damaged or destroyed. You’ll need to check with your accommodations provider if you have short term plans to stay in Hanalei or between Hanalei and Haena. There are no issues at Princeville other than the closure of Hanalei Plantation Road.
Property Damage
Luckily no human deaths or injuries were reported. Property damage on the other hand is severe. For example, these two houses adjacent to the Hanalei pier were completely destroyed.
For people beyond Hanalei, there is also limited water service. Without transportation, food and medications are also an issue. We’ve heard of visitors chartering helicopters in order to get off the north shore. Pharmacies are delivering medication via fishing boats. For updates on road conditions and closures, please call Kauai Police Department for a recorded message at 808-241-1725.
State Parks Update.
The Kauai State Parks which are closed at this time include Napali Coast State Wilderness Park, Haena State Park, Polihale State Park, and portions of Wailua River State Park. Two parks, Napali Coast and Haena are to be closed for the foreseeable future due to the extent of damage in those parks.
Let us know if you have any questions in comments below.
Hanalei Pier photo credit
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Aloha! Traveling to Kauai in 2 weeks and have a question about the closure of Hanalei Plantation Road. Is the section of that road off Kuhio Hwy that leads to Lei O Papa closed or just the section that veers towards the Bay? Mahalo for all the great information provided!
Hi Frances.
Best to try calling the phone number listed in the post. That’s the police department’s road information line.
Aloha.
We are coming mid May. We usually snorkel every day around the island. I have heard there is brown waters and you should stay out of them. Can we still snorkel every where? We are thinking of canceling. We were going on a tour to the forbidden island and it left from the north, tubing down lava Shutes and kayaking up a river. I am starting to worry that none of that will be available. We are to leave in three weeks.
Aloha!
First, thank you for a terrific site! I’ve talked to fellow vacation rental owners in Kauai who are saying people aren’t booking because they think Kauai is still flooded. I’m wondering if you could please let people know that most of Kauai is doing fine, now. It’s the northernmost part of the island that is still off limits, am I right? So many people come to your website for advice, I’m thinking you could really make a difference! Mahalo in advance!
Hi Claudia.
Thank you. Looking at what we wrote it still seems accurate, so not sure what we would add. “Should you change your Kauai vacation plans? The basic answer is no. For most visitors to the island, this will not be a reason to change plans. The island is open for business. All hotels and most vacation rentals are operating normally. The south shore (Poipu area), westside, eastside and north shore through Hanalei are accessible.”
Aloha.
Our prayers are for everyone on this truly Hawaiian island. Without a doubt the most beautiful place on Earth. Your tasks will be blessed. Mahalo.
Aloha, My family of 6 have a rental booked near Tunnels beach June 20th, what do you think the chances of the road being repaired by then would be? My heart goes out to all those affected. I lived on Kauai for 14 years and lived through Iniki, I know how strong the people are. Mahalo!
Hi Debbie.
As far as we are learning, that will not be accessible. More details should be revealed in the next week or two.
Aloha.
I´m there in the middle of May and I have a permit to the Kalalau trail – shall I better cancel my plans to do the trail?
My accomodation is in Kapaʻa – is it affected also so hard there?
All the best from Germany!
Hi Sandra.
Yes you won’t be doing the Kalalau trail in May. Kapaa is fine. There are lots of other hiking opportunities and we love hiking the canyons of Kokee and Waimea Canyon.
Aloha.
Aloha,
Just wanted to give you a boots on the ground report.
Hanalei town is just about back to normal. The Black Pot park will be closed for some time. Besides the beach houses shown most other homes in Hanalei are ok. Those three homes damaged were the result of the river finding its old delta. All other beach parks in Hanalei Bay are open.
At this time it is still unclear what the condition of the road to Haena is. My guess is that in another week we’ll have a good assessment.
Aloha,
Charlie C
Hi Charlie.
We concur that assessment is still pending. Unfortunately many other homes in Hanalei sustained damage in addition to the two next to the pier.
Aloha.
If vacation at Poipu Beach area in late June should we be concerned?
My wife and I are in Kapaa for the next three weeks. Where can we be of help?
Hi John.
Try American Red Cross, Hawaii State Chapter, 4485 Pahe’e Street, Suite #145, Lihue, HI 96766, Make a secure online donation at http://www.redcross.org/hawaii or call: (808) 739-8109.
Aloha.
Good job posting useful information!
I enjoy your website.
Thanks Joan.
Aloha.
I’m going to Luau Kalamaku in Nawilwli in May. Any damage there?
I have permits for Kalalau in August. I wonder if I should just cancel them now and schedule something else.
Zac I read online Kalalau is closed possibly until 2019. You may want to reschedule.
I’m coming May 2 to Sealodge. I’m really worried about this situation. Sounds like Princeville is ok. Am I understanding that the road to Ke’e is impassable? That’s one of my favorite places to visit. MUCH ALOHA to all the citizens of the islands and most especially Kauai. Any further updates or info from people on the North Shore is much appreciated. Sending you all a rainbow. Mahalo!
Hi Tammy.
Yes the road to Kee is closed at this time and there is no estimate on it reopening. The phone number we posted will provide the latest in road updates. Otherwise, you’ll be fine.
Aloha.
I rely on your AWESOME website for all of your articles but this article I’m particular impacts so many people and I’m so glad you gave us some updates and a number to call for further info. You guys are amazing MAHALO!
Hi Tammy.
Thanks so much!
Best aloha. R/J